







i*,. Lii-^ 



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SERMON, 

Delivered at Salisbury, mass. 

ON THE 

DEATH OF HIS EXCELLENCY 



*7 .^«-" * 



FEBRUARY 13, 1825, 

AT THE REQUEST OF THE OFFICERS OF THE 

4th regiment, 2d brigade, 2d division, 
massachusetts militia. 



BY JAMES BARN A BY, A. M. 

PASTOR OP THE BAPTIST CHURCH IN SALISBURY. 



■NEWBURY PORT : 
W. Ss J. OILMAN, 9, STATE-STREET. ^ 



1825. . 



1 









Rev. Mr. Barnaby, 

The undersigned, being a Committee in behalf of the 
Ofl5cers of the Fourth Regiment, Second Brigade, Second Division, 
Massachusetts Militia, tender to you their thanks for the excellent 
Discourse delivered by you this afternoon, on the death of His Ex- 
cellency William Eustis, and respectfully request a copy for the 

press. 

, Samuel Walton, ^ 

Dudley Evans, > Committee. 

Daniel Weed, ^ 



REPLY OF THE AUTHOR. 

GrEI^TLEMEN, 

The Discourse delivered at your request on the death of 
His Excellency William Eustis, though not written with the most 
distant idea of publication, is respectfully submitted. 
Yours, &c. 

J. Barnaby. 



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JOB xxxiv. 20. 

IN A MOMENT SHALL THEY DIE, AND THE PEOPLE SHALL BE TROUBLED 

AT MIDNIGHT, AND PASS AWAY ; AND THE MIGHTY SHALL 

BE TAKEN AWAY WITHOUT HAND. 

ALL events throughout the universe, take 
place at the appointment of God. He originated them 
at first, and they are eifected at his will. All things 
were made by him ; and, under the direction of infinite 
wisdom, subserve the great object for which they were 
made. The constancy and uniformity of nature strik- 
ingly impress the mind with a conviction of the ex- 
istence of the Great first cause. The proofs of this al- 
so, are repeatedly manifest ahmg the journey of human 
life. Blind, indeed, must be the person who traces no 
evidence of infinite wisdom, in the works of nature. 
He must forget himself, and plunge into all the wind- 
ings of skepticism, to lose sight of Him who balanced, 
the earth upon nothing ; " who measured the waters in 
the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the 
span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a mea- 
sure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the 
hills in a balance." And, althougli atheism may have 
supported herself by the regularity and immutability 
of nature, still, to the thinking mind, it strikingly ex- 
hibits an irresistible proof of the existence, power, and 
wisdom of God. 



6 



Man strangely loses sight of Him, who hides hlin 
self behind these visible appearances. He sees no ev- 
idence, and feels no need of him, while order and reg- 
ularity remain. But the very constancy of nature in 
all her operations, irrefragably proves his existence^ 
as the Creator and upholder of all. If we survey the 
planetary system, and mark the uniformity and regu- 
larity of all the heavenly bodies in their motions, we 
are no less surprised at their order and harmony, than 
when contemplating the order and succession of chan- 
ges of the seasons. They both alike manifest the ex- 
istence of God ; and become a mirror by wiiich he 
manifests himself to liis creatures. Jioth the day and 
night afford their testimony ; and the secret silent rev- 
olutions of the heavens, defy the attack of infidelity. 

God, as if he had spoken by an audible voice from 
heaven to his creattsres, by all these evidences, has in 
the same, manifested the unchangeableness of his na- 
ture, and righteousness (►f his governnient, Nature 
follows her own laws. But those laws are established 
by infinite wisdom. In one instance alone, has she 
departed from that order by which she was at first reg- 
ulated, and in that, by the authority of God. By all 
around you then, in heaven above, or on the earth be- 
neath, and all within you, do we call on you to ac- 
knowledge his existence, who framed all things by the 
word of his power. 

No event transpires without his notice. As he 
gave^ife and animation to all, so all depend on him 
for ^ continuance of it. ^' By him kings reign, and 
princes decree justice. By him princes rule, and no- 
bles, even all the judges of the earth." Man is turn- 
ed to dust ; he crumbles, and mingles with the parti- 
cles of earth from whence he sprang. And it is strik- 
ingly acc(»rdant with tll(^se views, that the truth of the 
text is so repeatedly verified in the experience of ev- 
ery age. Both great and small, young and old, learn- 
ed and ignorant, ruler and subject, are alike concern- 
ed in that event v/hich turns man to dust, and puts an 
end to all his greatness. He, who, by the suffrages of 



^ free people, lias been called from tbe more private 
walks of life, and raised to posts of honour and use- 
fulness, is equally dependent for a continuance of that 
life, on the Maker and preserver of all, as the mean- 
est reptile that crawls on the face of the earth. 

One event happeneth to the righteous, and to the 
"wicked ; to the prince and the subject. " They shall 
<lie like men, and fall like one of the princes." To 
the man whose hairs have bleached on his head in the 
service of his country, and the child of a day old, 
death levels her shafts, and all his boasted greatness 
fades at once. 

In every instance of mortality which you are called 
to witness in the course of human life, you are called, 
also, to witness in it the displeasure of God against 
«in ; and how certainly he will carry into effect that ir- 
reversible sentence denounced upon man, '■' Dust thou 
art, and unto dust shalt thou return." Nothing in the 
system of human events, more palpably exhibits this 
truth, than the general anduiversal pestilence, ly which 
the whole of our race is smitten, and hurried in suc- 
cessive generations to the dark caverns of the grave. 
And thus from age to age, he gives us the most strik- 
ing proofs of the holiness of his nature, the just demerit 
of transgression, and how entirely dependent is man 
on his Maker. 

We know not how to judge, nor where to find the 
fell precursors of mortality. But we often witness the 
appaling scene, when a family is called to drop the 
tear of sorrow over the tomb of an endearing friend ; 
and a nation to weep over the sepulchre, and lament 
the departed greatness of a distinguished statesman. 
This has been the lot of this highly favoured nation. 
Her Senators and Kulers have fallen, and mingled in 
one common grave with their fellow citizens. And, 
so common has the gloomy scene become, even among 
the great and good, that, like the idle ripple of the 
stream, we pass it almost unheeded. 

Neither can nations become so great and powerful, 
as not to need his mighty energy in their support. 



8 

^^ 

Their foundation is laid in rottenness. Tlie basis of 
their existence is established in the earth. This must 
give w;iy, when the former things shall pass a\^ ay ; 
and these fabricks of hiunan invention crursible to 
atoms. Their nobles perish at his rebuke ; and, at 
his word, they are hurled from their lofty eminences. 
Though nations boast of their strengtij, aiid defy the 
power of omnipotence, yet at one breath, tliey fall: arid 
their rulers, like other men, are consumed of worms. 

Nor is any individual too iKsignificant to be re- 
garded by him. All are his creatures, and receive his 
paternal care. Tiie poor as well a>s the rich, — the 
subject as well as the ruler, shall share in the benevo- 
lence of Him '' whose loving kindness is better than, 
life.'' And. when he, who spake man into existence 
at first, sends his messenger, the distinctions which 
now exist, will be lost. And, '^•in a moment shall they 
die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and 
pass away ; and the mighty shall be taken away with- 
out hand." 

These words seem to be a comment on the conduct 
of Job, by Elihu, for the harsh expressions which 
dropped from his lips in the heat of his dispute. And 
from the verses immediately connected with the text, it 
appears ecpially applicable to nations and individuals. 

If it were improper to charge earthly princes with 
impiety, how much more to accuse Him who is the 
maker of all things, with injustice ; and who regards 
all his creatures with equal interest. At his pleasure 
whole nations, in their midnight security, are unex- 
pectedly hurried into eternity. And the most power- 
ful princes, and useful rulers, are, by his immediate 
influence, hurled from their thrones. 

The history of the Jews is a striking comment on 
the passage in the former sense. Though a highly 
favoured nation, they were subject to many reverses of 
fortune. While they pursued the path of virtue, they 
possessed the gate of their enemies. Their rulers were 
from the midst of them. Their substance increased, 
and their leaders were exactors of righteousness. 



9 



But when, by a ileceived heart, they were turned aside 
from the path of wisdom, they found by unhappy ex- 
perience, that it was an evil and bitter thing to forsake 
the God of their salvation. Withdrawing the hover- 
ing and protecting wing of his providence, they were 
entirely defenceless ; and that, which before was im- 
pregnable, is vulnerable at every pore. Scattered a- 
niong the nations of the earth, who knew not the God 
of Jacob, they were plundered and enslaved. Their 
great men died ; — their nobles perished from among 
them ;— and they became an easy prey to the merci- 
less hand of every invader. 

The experience of every man attests the truth of the 
passage in the latter sense. The poor as well as the 
rich— the ignoble, as well as the noble — the Governor 
as well as the citizen, are assailed by the shafts of 
death, and the silence of midnight witnesses their ex- 
it from time into eternity. No individual can bid de- 
fiance to the king of terrors ; or resist him in his uni- 
versal reign. By a silent certain step he advances till 
lie seizes his prey ; and he, who, but yesterday, walk- 
ed in the greatness of his strength, to day stands a sol- 
enin spectacle of all human greatness. 

Among the many important reflections suggested 
in the text, we shall invite your attention to the follow^ 
ing ; viz. Posts of honour and usefulness arena secu- 
rity against the imperious demand of death. 

I. We shall explain and prove this truth ; — and 

II. Apply the subject to the present solemn occasion. 

First— 'Wq shall explain and prove this truth. 

In the language of an inspired prophet, we may 
exclaim, " How afe the mighty fallen I" Death has 
levelled her envenomed shaft, and embraced a distin- 
guished fellow citizen, the Governor and Commander 
in Chief of this Commonwealth, in her ruthless arms. 
In this mournful scene, a gloom is cast over our polit- 
ical horizon. The sun lowers on our heads, and, the 



10 



in habitants of this distinguished republick, as if ad- 
dressed by a messenger from heaven, are admonished 
to look up, and mourn for their sins before Him, a- 
gainst whom they have offendad. 

Called then, as we are, fellow citizens, to mourn 
the loss of a distinguished, honourable, and experienc- 
ed counseller and statesman, we would drop the silent 
tear over his sepulchre, and offer up the devout desires 
of our souls to God, that this righteous event may be 
sanctified to the civil and military Officers, and to the 
people in general. It may, indeed, be said " a great 
man has fallen." Though the shafts of malice may 
have blunted their points in their former attacks upon 
his political character, — though party invectives may 
have exhausted all their force in assailing his reputa- 
tion, they fcill pointless at his feet ; while, silent in 
death, deaf to all their murmurings, he has stepped be- 
yond the reach of their hate, and sleeps to wake no 
more, until the trump of God shall bid the slumbering 
dust arise. He has closed a distinguished and valua- 
ble life, spent in the service of his country ; and en- 
tered that world, from whose bourne no traveller can 
return. There he will receive the reward of the deeds 
done in the body. What we can say of him he will 
neither know nor feel. Gladly would we draw the 
mantle of charity over his imperfections ; and perpet- 
uate his virtues to the latest posterity. Remember- 
ing that, *^ To err is human ; to forgive divine," Dis- 
tinguished men of every age, have witnessed the un- 
certainty of human life and human greatness. As far 
back as the existence of man can l)e traced, we have 
witnessed not only the egress of those who have walk- 
ed the more humble paths of life ; but men of talent, 
of piety and usefulness, have fallen victims to the iron 
grasp of death. 

The history of the Israelites strikingly exhibits 
this fact. That nation could never have been more 
secure, than when guided by the hand of the meek, 
the just, and prayerful Moses ; and never more happy 
and powerful, than when cheered forward by him who 



11 

^^ 
said, " As for me and my house, we will serve the 
Lord." Could Athens ever have boasted of greatness 
to be compared with that which she experienced, when 
guided by the hand of Aristides the just ? And would 
it be more than a just tribute to the memory of Wash- 
ington to say, that the nation was never more happy, 
than when her destinies were at bis control? But these 
men of incalculable worth are no more. And, if the 
glory of a nation in any measure consists in their rul- 
ers, how has it departed. Their merit, their worth, 
or their virtues, could by no means screen them from 
the king of terrors. 

Hut to the histories of other countries we need not 
appeal. We need only to become acquainted with 
our own, to feel the chill of mortality in our veins ; and 
see death marching in all her greatness. To use the 
language of an inspired prophet, ^^ Your fathers, where 
are they ? and the prophets, do they live for ever ?" 

Who among the sons of the Revolution, (among 
whom our much lamented and venerable Chief Magis- 
trate, held a distinguished place,) now live to reap the 
fruit of their toil and blood ? Many bravely fell by 
their arras in the field. And of those vviio survived 
the scene of action, few now live to drop the tear over 
the ashes of our venerable and highly respected pat- 
riot. He whose name is ever dear to an American cit- 
izen ; the glory of our arms, and honour of our counsel- 
lors ; who conducted her in her triumphant march to 
the tree of liberty, now sleeps in sweet repose in the 
grave ! And with him, his companions in arms, dis- 
tinguished for their wisdom and sagacity have fallen 
to rise no more. Death hath made her imperious de- 
mand ; and those who defied the point of the sword, 
fall under her palsying arm. 

Among the Governors of our own state too, we have 
witnessed men distinguished for piety and talent. 
These rest from their labours, and their works do fol- 
low them. They have defended and secured tlie 
rights of a free people. Lured to office, not by motives 
of ambition ; but called by the suffrages of their en- 



IS 



lightened fellow citizens, thongh they conld not boast 
of the titles of Lords and nobles by birth ; yet, of the 
honour of meriting the favour of those who should ever 
regard the rule of greatness by the rule of goodness. 

Fresh in your memories, doubtless, are the names of 
many distingJiished statesmen, who, with honiuir, have 
filled that chair of state which was recently occupied 
by him, whose death we this day lament. The names 
of Sullivan, Krooks, and others, the majority of whom, 
now rest from their labours, will be perpetuated on the 
pages of history, and in the breasts of the citizens of 
this Commonwealth, so long as acts of greatness and 
usefulness distinguish a fellow mortal. Ee, too, in 
whom was reposed, not the interest of a state only, but 
of the whole community; who, under the guidance of 
heaven, arrested the progress of tyrauuy, — reared the 
standard of liberty ; and called a free people to rally 
around it, will not be forgotten. The virtues of such 
men we would cherish : their spirit we would imbibe ; 
and humbly pray, that the mantles of these Elijahs 
may fall upon our Elishas. l^ike him may we pray, 
*' My Father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the 
horsemen thereof." But like their ancestors, under the 
wasting hand of time, their sun has declined. Like 
Ihem may we live, and like them die. 

If we examine the history of the Israplites, from 
the commencement of their march from Egypt to Ca- 
naan, we see a painful evidence of the important fact, 
that posts of honour and usefulness ; yea, even virtue 
itself, is no security against the assaults of death. 
Among all that body of people, who fled from under 
the oppressive hand of Pharaoh, none but Caleb and 
Joshua were permitted to enter the land of promise. 
The meekness of Moses, nor the faithfulness of Aaron, 
could screen them from the universal destroyer of man. 

The history of the church ; indeed, the history of 
the world, for nearly six thousand years, presents but 
a mournful picture of human greatness, and human de- 
pravity ; and, at once, establishes the words of the great 
apostle to the Gentiles, " For as by one man sin en- 



13 



kl'ed the world, and death by sin, so death has passed 
upon all men, for that all have sinned." 

None among the adventurous pilgrims, who first 
set their feet on Plymouth Rock, now live to celebrate 
that important event ; or enjoy the sweets of life under 
the tree of liberty and peace. And but few of the vet- 
erans of the revolution, siill survive the wreck of time. 

To this catalogue of worthies, who now slumber in 
death, we might add, the names of those who have 
stood as the messengers of heaven to men ; and whose 
talents have shoUe in vindicating the christian religion, 
and establishing the fieedora of our country, on the 
broad basis of truth and education. The names of 
such men, are not to be erased from the list of those 
who died in the greatness of their strength, and in the 
ser\ice of the church and their country. Their work 
was the work of mercy, and their labour the labour of 
love. They too, have fallen, but their virtues are 
perpetuated. 

Liberty like ours, is the more highly to be valued, 
as it not only secures the right of protection to our per- 
sons and property, but lays the broad foundation for 
the diffusion of knowledge among all classes of men ; 
and secures to every man the liberty of conscience. 
The sons of liberty may become the sons of science. 
The means of education are confined, not to the narrow 
limits of a few, but liberally bestowed upon all. 

Ignorance and vice are no commendations to posts 
of civil and ecclesiastical authority in a government, 
where virtue and knowledge alone is power. He who 
has been the most energetic and effective in the pro- 
motion of virtue and suppression of vice, and the es- 
tablishment and support of education, that grand en- 
gine, which stands as the jaipport of a nation's rights, 
is surely the great man ; and will ever be had in re- 
membrance by every son of science and religion. As 
long as vice is censurable, and virtue commendable, 
so long will that man's name stand on the perishable 
records of our country ; and be cherished in the bosom 
of every philanthropist. 



14 

The great and good of every age, aware of the font 
stain of ign.Hiince ; and of its baneful eliects even on 
civil bodies, have exposed themselves to her shafts, in 
order the more permanently to perpetuate the civil and 
religious rights of man. Nothing so completely binds 
the manacles of slavery on a people, as ignorance and 
vice. The former, by playing on them a kind of im- 
position, which they cannot resist. The latter by 
feeding their coiruptions, and rendering them regard- 
less of every principle of virtue and honour. This is 
palpably the condition of Spain ; and all other heredi- 
tary governments ; where crime and slaughter are a 
substitute for virtue and religion. Too ignorant to 
choose, — too weak to resist, — and too corrupt to im- 
prove, — they wear the galling chains of tyranny and 
oppression. God save this state and nation from 
magistrates, whose hearts are not deeply imbued with 
the soundest principles of virtue and religion. And 
may the liappy era soon arrive, when the bigotry of 
party, shall cease ; and the supporters of ignorance and 
vice, receive their reward, by an ejection from those 
elevated posts, which ought to reflect honour on the 
nation. 

The messengers of truth, alive to the interests of 
humanity, have not laboured in vain. They have not 
slumbered at their posts. But have successfully co- 
operated with tiie statesman in laying the chief corner 
stone of this noble building, the permanent establish- 
ment of free schools. And, at once, have supported 
the cause of virtue, and given permanency to the free- 
dom of man. But where are these messengers of hea- 
ven ? Do they live for ever ? No : like other men 
Ihey have fallen to rise no more ; and, with our much 
lamented Chief M agist rateP are mouldering to dust. 

Here sufl'er me to arrest the progress of thought ; 
and invite you to reflect on scenes which are more im- 
mediately within your knowledge. Scenes which 
liave roused all your feelings, and caused nature 
" even to weep around you." What individual in this 
assembly has not wept over the tomb of an affectionate 



15 

parent — a kind brother — a fond child — ^^or an endear- 
ing companion ? xVnd, but a few more rolling years, 
ere these sons of hardihood and freedom ; yea, this lis- 
tening audience, will but live in the memory of anoth- 
er generation. ** Surely in a moment shall they die, 
and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass 
away ; and the mighty shall be taken away without 
hand." 

Man was made in the likeness of his Creator. And 
in this moral image alone consists all his greatness. 
Had he remained in that moral state, the mournful 
scenes wiiich have so often wrung the bosom of the 
fond relative, would not have been experienced. Hap- 
py in the favour of his God, that delightful spot which 
gave him birth would have been the seat of his resi- 
dence. And under the smiles of heaven ; might have 
bid defiance to the fell destroyer of man. But when 
he fell, the crown fell from his head. Shame and 
sorrow became his constant though wretched compan- 
ions. Debased and ruined, he became prey for worms. 
" Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return :" 
yea, " dying, thou shalt die," is the irreversible sen- 
tence of heaven. 

In looking over the history of nations, but one 
scene presents itself to our view, their birth and down- 
fall. In the greatness of their strength, the worm 
preys upon them, and they fall in ruinous heaps. The 
circumstances connected therewith, are but the history 
of intervening events, which expedite their ruin. This 
is more especially true of individuals, A man r.'ses 
from childhood, to posts of honour and renown. He 
marches with the march of time, and in the midst of 
all his labours, and usefulness, the cold hand of death 
is laid upon him, and his body is consigned to the bo- 
som of the earth. The land which gave him birth, 
falls upon the lid of his coffin. And soon, by the 
wasting hand of time, will the letters upon his grave 
stones, which were designed to perpetuate his memory, 
be entirely erased. Thus in succession, his place is 
(Qccupied by others, until the present shall give place 



16 



to that state, where, hoth the ruler and the subject sliall 
stand at the impartial bar of heaven ; and all disiinc- 
tions of office be for ever lost. 

It may not be improper liere, to glance a thought 
at what may be considered real greatness. While vir- 
tue exalteth a nation ; sin is a reproach to any people. 
And whenever it meets with support, either in individ- 
uals or nations, will find its way to the ears of Him, 
who will, in every instance punish it. A wise people 
will particularly regard the moral charact* r of men 
who sustain important offices of trust in the nation. 
The experience of nations has proved the advantages 
of virtuous rulers. Of this, we persuade ourselves, 
the enlightened people of this State, have not been un- 
mindful ; nor in every instance unsuccessful. 

hut of the characters of men held up fur office, we 
are not to judge by the electioneering papers that are 
circulated. The veil of prejudice must be drawn aside. 
If this were our rule of decision, (the people them- 
selves being judges,) few good men have ever occupi- 
ed those offices which demand character and talent. 

To render a free government permanent and snre, 
there must be virtue in the peoi)le, as well as in their 
rulers. The glory of good rulers and a virtuous peo- 
ple is often reciprocal. With what honour does the 
sun of the morning beam on the earth in a cloudless 
day ! When magistrates dignify their office by acts 
of virtue and humanity ; and in the support of those 
institutions which give permanency to a republick, 
how resplendent is the glory they reflect on the people 
they govern ! Their administration is as refreshing as 
the vernal showers, and invigorating as the morning 
dew. Such a ruler is to his subjects, what the sun is 
to this lower world, rising in his strength. How far 
this has been the case with him whose memory we 
perpetuate, we leave for him, who shall do justice to 
his memory, to decide. 

That greatness then, which entitles to office in a 
free government, is, a strong and ardent attachment to 
the interests of the people. To be successful in la- 



17 

bouring for the good of a community, tlieir good must 
be the ruling principle of the mind. The good of the 
subject is the first object, and not personal aggrandize- 
ment. Such are ministers of God for good to the peo- 
ple. Under such rulers a nation will prosper, and 
rise to that state of greatness and strength, which puts 
opposition to defiance. 

But real greatness rises higher ; and that which 
should entitle to the suffrages of a free people is a pure 
regard to the principles of virtue. If there should be 
any resemblance between the rulers of this world, and 
the Prince of life, surely virtue is the first and most 
important qualification entitling to the high office of a 
chief Commander of a State. Clad in robes of inno- 
cence and love, how bright was the glory which beam- 
ed through the veil of Jesus' flesh ! The triumph of 
virtue, will lay a foundation for national peace and 
prosperity, which challenges opposition. The glory 
of Alexander,— the prowess of Csesar,— and the ex- 
tensive victories of the modern emperor of France, de- 
serve not a coQiparison with that of ruling a nation by 
the principles of virtue and love, Such a ruler will 
vigorously attack vice and impiety in every form ; and. 
redress wrongs done to his subjects. Inspired with 
these principles, his efforts will be extended to the 
suppression of profaneness and intemperance, that 
growing monster, which scatters misery and death all 
around him, 

What can add so much to the glory of a nation, 
and render it so permanent, as to see its rulers vigor- 
ous in the suppression of vice, and promotion of virtue? 
Is not virtue to a community what health is to the body? 
What nation can maintain its rank among the nations 
of the earth, whose rulers are sunk in debauchery and 
crime ? If then, the basis of a free government is the 
principles of our holy religion, it, at once, becomes im- 
pregnable. Mark the distinguished prince of the 
north of Europe ; leading his subjects, by personal ex- 
ample, to embrace the religion of the humble Jesus, 
the shafts of malice may in vain be aimed at him. 



^ 18 



They drop pointless at his side. Such a ruler would 
foe to a state or nation, what the glory of God's pres- 
ence was to .the Israelites. Righteousness indeed, ex- 
alteth a nation. 

Aware, however, that all men are human, and may 
therefore err ; the frailties we lament are interwoven 
with our existence. We should ever remember that, 
^' to err is human, to forgive divine.'' The safety and 
happiness of a people depend, under God, on the elec- 
tion of men of virtue, as well as talent, to office. 
When the rulers of a state are peace, and her exactors 
righteousness, virtue is rewarded, and vice punished : 
and judgment runs down her streets as a stream, and 
righteousness as an overflowing river. Such then, is 
the character of a great and good ruler. And such, 
when He, who holds the destinies of man in his hands, 
shall judge the world, will not fail of obtaining their 
reward. 

It now remains that we apply the subject to the 
present solemn occasion. 

Called as we are, fellow citizens, to experience 
the sudden and unexpected loss of his Excellency 
William Eusris, Governor and Commander in Chief 
of this Commonwealth, we would offer a tribute of 
praise to his memory, and shed the tear of sorrow over 
the tomb of him, whom the people honoured with their 
suffrages, and who yielded to death in their service. 
To respect departed worth, is but the impulse of hu- 
manity ; and the imperious demand of the social bond. 

To eulogize the dead you will not expect me. 
His worth, his usefulness, his gre,atness, and devoted- 
ness to his country, are too well known to require the 
feeble aid of my pen. Many events in the political 
career of this distinguished son of the revolution, might 
serve to perpetuate his memory, and stamp a value on 
his exertions for the public good. Connected with all 
the dangers and perils of the revolution, he yielded 
not to fear. Few have been in public life so long ; 
and few perhaps^ with greater success. His influence 



19 



in the revolutionary war is too well known by public 
documents to need comment. Having filled posts of 
honour and usefulness, both in the Legislature of this 
State, and in the Congress of the United States : — 
Having possessed so far the confidence of the nation, 
as to receive the appointment of Foreign Minister, and 
Secretary at War : — Having filled all these offices 
with ability and independence ; and finally closed an 
active and patriotick career, as Cliief Magistrate of 
this Commonwealth, all attempts to eulogize would be 
fruitless. Though dead, he yet speaketh. To the 
life of this distinguished man ; — to the acts which have 
distinguished him as a veteran of the revolution ; — and 
especially to those which have marked his career as 
Governor of this Commonwealth, we refer you. 

Full of years, and high in the estimation of his 
fellow citizens, he has fallen to rise no more. His 
worth, his greatness, and his valour, with the firmness 
of his mind, indicated by his speeches delivered to 
the house, are, doubtless, fresh in the recollection of 
many who venerate his memory. 

Suffer me then, my fellow citizens, who now la- 
ment the loss of a Commander in arms, to address you 
on this occasion. 

Few events transpire which can be more interest- 
ing to your feelings : And few which more solemnly 
admonish you, of the uncertainty of life. The suf- 
frages of a free people have distinguished him, as your 
leader. But even this could not protect him from the 
ravages of death. The examples of virlue and courage 
which he has set before you, are still alive for your 
imitation. While you respect the departed worth of 
this great man, copy his virtues, and imitate all his 
imitable examples. But especially 1 would remind 
you of the importance of imitating Hirrif who said to 
his disciples, ^^ It is enough, put up thy sword.'' 

A nation whose safety depends on the virtue of the 
people ; and where this virtue exists, is more secure, 
than that which relies on her arms destitute of virtue. 
A soldiery vicious and profane, will disgrace their 



<r 



so 



arms, and plunge tlie dagger into the vitals of their 
country. Where it is like rulers, like people, and 
both are vicious, we could rely with equal safety on 
the winds of heaven, as on defence like this. May 
your path be that of the just, that your latter end may 
be like theirs. The tribute of respect which you pay 
to your departed Commander we cordially reciprocule. 
He has fallen lo rise no more. May some more able 
pen do justice to the history of his life. Strikingly 
does it prove the truth of the text. " In a moment 
shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at 
midnigiit, and pass away ; and the mighty shall be 
taken away without hand." 
To the citizens in general. 

The novelty of the scene may have brought you 
together. But while you learn, that *' a great man has 
fallen," you are solemnly admonished, that this, ere 
long, will be the portion of all. The novelty of the 
scene will be soon f(M'gotten ; but the effect will follow. 
You will not hear the sound of death in vain. It will 
be instrumental of arousing the lethargy of your souls, 
or of sinking you deeper in spiritual sloth. Hear then 
the voice from the throne of God, speaking through the 
sepulchre of your distinguished Commander in Chief, 
*' Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." — 
May you so live, that, when he who calls you to give 
up your account, may pronounce on you, that plaudit, 
" Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the 
joys of thy Lord/*' Amen. 




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